Previously Held NEC IC-0000-Interior Communications Electrician
IC-4774-MK NC-2 MOD 2/2A Plotting/MK 9 MOD 0/2 DRAI Technician
IC-4721-Gyrocompass Systems Maintenance Technician
NC-9502-Instructor
Retired from Active Service in 1994. Went to work with the American Red Cross Disaster Services in Port St. Lucie, Florida as a Disaster Coordinator. Transferred to Shrewsbury, New Jersey as a Disaster Director later that year. In 2000 transferred to San Bernardino California as an Emergency Services Director and then finished my career in 2005 in Palm Springs, California. One of my childhood dreams was to drive a big-rig truck, so went to truck driving school in Fontana, CAl and got my commercial drivers license. Went to work with SWIFT Transportation as an over-the-road trucker covering all 48 states and Canada. Moved to Shreveport LA in 2006 and transferred my dispatch yard to Dallas TX (Still driving with SWIFT). In 2007 had to quit doing that due to medical problems. Finally, retired for good that year. In 2013 went back to work as a Building Supervisor for Electsolve INC. The company was sold to IPKeys and I began working as a Facility Manager for Excentul Facilities and Services, where I am still working today.
Other Comments:
I was a "kiddy cruizer" so was discharged the day before my 21st birthday (19 April 1967). Worked for Pacific Gas and Electric in Hayward, California. Went back into the service in October 1967. Requested Swift Boats and got the Kitty Hawk instead. In October 1969 left the Navy for civilian life. Got a job with Pacific Telephone in Livermore, California as a cable splicer. In 1971 transfered to Pacific Northwest Bell in Portland Oregon. Transfered back to Pacific Telephone in Fresno, California in 1974. Left the phone company in 1977. Pretty much rode my motorcycle and partied until 1980 when I went back into the Navy and finished my career.
Description Military and political crises in one region can bring economic uncertainty and panic in another. For example, during the 1984 "Mines of August" crisis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez, the presence of naval mines and damage to some 20 commercial vessels caused maritime insurance rates to rise and jeopardized the safe movement of world shipping through this critical waterway. Operation Intense Look was launched in response to the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez mine crisis, when naval mines were discovered in these vital shipping lanes. Libya's mining of the Red Sea in 1984 focused attention on the need to protect shipping lanes leading to the Suez Canal and the need for more advanced mine countermeasure vessels.
USS SHREVEPORT (LPD 12) deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in July 1984. While in Rota, Spain, SHREVEPORT received mission tasking to off-load her embarked Marines and embark Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14). Crossing the Mediterranean Sea, and transiting the Suez Canal in record time, SHREVEPORT participated in Operation INTENSE LOOK, conducting mine clearance operations in the Red Sea. For her actions in support of this critical operation, SHREVEPORT was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
The quick response of U.S. Navy and multinational mine countermeasures (MCM) forces helped calm fears and safeguard international maritime commerce. The AN/AQS-14 Minehunting Sonar, used primarily to detect bottom mines, was first delivered to the Fleet helicopters in 1984, just in time for use in Operation Intense Look.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
August / 1984
To Month/Year
September / 1984
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
Memories DDG-46 provided escort for USS America battle group during mine sweeping operations to clear path for battle group through Red Sea transit 31 August 1984 - 1 September 1984